Flashing led message box

Abstract

A message box for presenting messages, such as advertising material to target consumers. The message box is suitable for being integrated into existing infrastructure. Further, the message box includes an electronic illumination source that can be pulsed on or off, and at varying intensity levels so as to maximize or increase the ability to attract the attention of the target consumers. Other controls can be applied in operation of the illumination sources so as to create additional attractions to target consumers. The messages can be manually or automatically changed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus to present messages, the apparatus comprising:
 an electronic light source;   a graphic lens displaying a message;   a controller configured to alter the intensity and rate of change of the electronic light source such that the intensity may be set to one of a plurality of on values;   a box enclosure comprising an internal securing means for the electronic light source, the graphic lens, and a diffuser lens; and   a mounting bracket to mount the box to another structure.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic light source is an array of LEDs and the intensity for at least two LEDs is adjusted independently. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the array of LEDs comprises LEDs of at least two different colors and the intensity of the LEDs can be adjusted to create waves of intensity by adjusting individual LEDs. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the graphic lens includes a silkscreened content. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the graphic lens includes printed content. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the graphic lens includes etched content. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the graphic lens includes a vinyl message. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the message is associated with the graphic lense. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the message is provided on a medium that is placed proximate to a surface of the lens. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the medium includes multiple messages and, the medium can be automatically changed between a first message and a second message. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to control the light source so as to illuminate different partitions of the graphic lens. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller reads instructions from a memory element and executes instructions. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a device to measure light proximate to the apparatus and the controller is further configured to control the light source based at least in part on the measured light. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the enclosure defines a front opening, the internal securing means includes a protrusion that is internal to the enclosure, proximate to the front opening and that extends over at least a portion of the interior surface of the enclosure and, a plurality of dimples with at least one dimple being positioned on a lower interior surface of the enclosure and at least one dimple being position on an upper interior surface of the enclosure, with each of the plurality of dimples being positioned between the front opening and the protrusion. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the enclosure is structured to deform slightly under pressure to facilitate the insertion of the lens. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the enclosure defines a front opening, the internal securing means includes a protrusion that is internal to the enclosure, proximate to the front opening and that extends over at least a portion of the interior surface of the enclosure and, a plurality of dimples being positioned on the interior surface of the enclosure, with each of the plurality of dimples being positioned between the front opening and the protrusion. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the enclosure is structured to deform slightly under pressure to facilitate the insertion of the lens. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , further comprising a photocell that can detect light intensity proximate to the apparatus, and the controller interfaces to the photocell and is configured to adjust the light source based on readings from the photocell. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the controller is configured to dim or brighten the light source inversely proportionate to the light source intensity proximate to the apparatus. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus to present message content to a viewer, the apparatus comprising:
 an electronic light source;   a light intensity detector;   a controller that interfaces to the electronic light source and the light intensity detector, the controller being configured to set the intensity of the electronic light source inversely proportionate to ambient light based at least in part on readings from the light intensity detector;   a box enclosure defining an interior and a front opening, the box enclosure for housing the electronic light source, the light intensity detector and the controller and for providing a means for the light intensity detector to be exposed to light proximate to the box;   a lens that can receive message content; and   a plurality of dimples on the interior of the box enclosure proximate to the front opening for receiving and holding the lens in position.